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Biomechanical and Metabolic Effectiveness of an Industrial Exoskeleton for Overhead Work

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Schmalz

    (Clinical Research & Services/Biomechanics, Otto Bock SE & Co. KGaA, 37075 Göttingen, Germany)

  • Jasmin Schändlinger

    (Private University of Applied Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany)

  • Marvin Schuler

    (Private University of Applied Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany)

  • Jonas Bornmann

    (Global Research, Otto Bock SE & Co. KGaA, 37115 Duderstadt, Germany)

  • Benjamin Schirrmeister

    (Global Research, Otto Bock SE & Co. KGaA, 37115 Duderstadt, Germany)

  • Andreas Kannenberg

    (Clinical Research & Services, Otto Bock Healthcare LP, Austin, TX 78758, USA)

  • Michael Ernst

    (Clinical Research & Services/Biomechanics, Otto Bock SE & Co. KGaA, 37075 Göttingen, Germany)

Abstract

Overhead work activities can lead to shoulder pain and serious musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), such as rotator cuff injury and degeneration. Recently developed exoskeletons show promising results in supporting workers in such activities. In this study, a novel exoskeleton was investigated for two different overhead tasks with twelve participants. To investigate the effects of the device, electromyographic (EMG) signals of different shoulder and adjacent muscles as well as kinematic and metabolic parameters were analyzed with and without the exoskeleton. The mean EMG amplitude of all evaluated muscles was significantly reduced when the exoskeleton was used for the overhead tasks. This was accompanied by a reduction in both heart rate and oxygen rate. The kinematic analysis revealed small changes in the joint positions during the tasks. This study demonstrated the biomechanical and metabolic benefits of an exoskeleton designed to support overhead work activities. The results suggest improved physiological conditions and an unloading effect on the shoulder joint and muscles which are promising indicators that the exoskeleton may be a good solution to reduce shoulder WMSD among workers who carry out overhead tasks on a regular basis.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Schmalz & Jasmin Schändlinger & Marvin Schuler & Jonas Bornmann & Benjamin Schirrmeister & Andreas Kannenberg & Michael Ernst, 2019. "Biomechanical and Metabolic Effectiveness of an Industrial Exoskeleton for Overhead Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:23:p:4792-:d:292247
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Yang Liu & Xiaoling Li & Jiarui Lai & Aibin Zhu & Xiaodong Zhang & Ziming Zheng & Huijin Zhu & Yueyang Shi & Long Wang & Zhangyi Chen, 2021. "The Effects of a Passive Exoskeleton on Human Thermal Responses in Temperate and Cold Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Yi-Lang Chen & Yan-Ting Zhong & Bang-Nan Liou & Chih-Chuan Yang, 2020. "Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Taiwanese Bakery Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-12, April.
    3. Bastien Arnoux & Anaïs Farr & Vincent Boccara & Nicolas Vignais, 2023. "Evaluation of a Passive Upper Limb Exoskeleton in Healthcare Workers during a Surgical Instrument Cleaning Task," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-12, February.
    4. Ci-Jyun Liang & Marvin H. Cheng, 2023. "Trends in Robotics Research in Occupational Safety and Health: A Scientometric Analysis and Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-21, May.
    5. Simona Del Ferraro & Tiziana Falcone & Alberto Ranavolo & Vincenzo Molinaro, 2020. "The Effects of Upper-Body Exoskeletons on Human Metabolic Cost and Thermal Response during Work Tasks—A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-25, October.

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